December 2
Gobblers knob
Bowman trail to Pole canyon ascending the Cabin run to the top of Gobblers. Descent deturnig to Bowman.
Elevations, slope angles and aspects:
6200-10'200', slope angles over 35°, north and west aspects.
Avalanche activity:
Sluffing within new snow was observed in upper Porter fork off the steeper rock bands, with one larger pocket coming off the rock slabs in the Silver Bell mine area. Both were in new snow only, likely the result of the strong sw winds.
Slopes skied:
Two laps on the Cabin run and a descent of Pole canyon upper gully.
Snow conditions:
There was 4" of recent snow along the Bowman trail over a base of zero. That increased to around 6" in the upper area. Old snow line was about 8500' on the shady side. Old surface was wind-mf crust of up about 4" thick, providing good support. No cracking or collapsing. Winds had drifted and scoured the open Cabin run bowl. Good cornice line along the Alexander- Gobblers ridge from those winds.
Weather:
Moderate temperatures, with a west southwest wind gusting into the 20+ mph range along upper ridges, moving snow at times.
Those winds were noted from the valley floor.
wind on the bcc twins
Evaluation:
Snow in the area was mostly stable. Potential instabilities caused by winds drifitng new snow on lee aspects. Some concern of slides breaking into older near surface faceting on ne facing. None observed, only sluffing within new snow.
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